Malahide

Malahide GAZET TE FREE

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YOUR COMMUNITY • YOUR PAPER

January nu ua y 12, 2012

INSIDE: A local teacher’s unique look HEALTH & WELL-BEING: How to at life in Haiti P8-9 feel your best in 2012 Pages 19-21

Soccer: Malahide United spy successful 2012 season Page 30

Football: McCarthy continues top form for Dubs Page 31

ALSOINSIDE: GALLERIES ......................8 BUSINESS .................... 18 TRAVEL......................... 22 ENTERTAINMENT ........ 23 MOTORS ....................... 24 CLASSIFIEDS ............... 26

Council rejects claim on floods action Q MIMI MURRAY

FINGAL County Council has hit back at suggestions that its response to flooding during severe weather events has “lacked urgency”.

This was in response to a question from Fianna Fail councillor Eoghan O’Brien in December, who asked the council to hold its hands up and admit that its response to public representatives

since the 2008 flooding had been “completely inadequate and lacked urgency”.

T he council said that “understandably, householders who were flooded in 2008, and recently in 2011, may consider the response inadequate, but these individual events were reported to the members” on several occasions.

Full Story on Page 4

Networking: Ethnic group enjoys year-end celebrations MBUKA Ngimbi and Alain Tshibala-

bala were among the many guests having a good time when the Fingal Ethnic Network held a special End of the Year celebration in River Valley GAA hall. The event was held to

acknowledge all the hard work and dedication from members and supporters throughout the year.

Picture: Una Williams

Full Gallery on Page 10

2 MALAHIDE GAZETTE 12 January 2012

FastNews No funding to move lights

THERE in no funding to upgrade and move the pedestrian traffic lights at St Sylvester’s School, Fingal County Council told councillors at a Howth/Malahide area committee meeting last week.

The council said that the removal and reinstallation of these signals on the Dublin Road to the junction of YellowWalls Road and the Dublin Road,

Charity: Having fun and raising ¤5,000

Malahide would cost more than the provision of new signals on the YellowWalls Road.

Blue Flag application

PORTMARNOCK native, Aideen McRory Cashill, the mother of a service user of St Michael’s House, raised a whopping €5,000 for the charity when she hosted a Girls Just Wanna Have Fun Night in Silks restaurant, Malahide recently.

This is Aideen’s second year to host the event, and she was delighted with the amount of money raised: “The reason for choosing this charity is because David, my threeyear-old son, is linked in with St Michael’s House” she said.

In attendance on the night was Lisa Cannon, from TV3’s Xpose.

Pictured at the hugely successful event are (l-r) Barbara Wiseman, of St Michael’s House; Aideen McRory, mother of St Michael’s House service user David Cashell; and Lisa Cannon, from TV3’s Xpose.

A BLUE Flag application is currently being considered for Malahide Beach, Fingal County Council has said.

The council said all applications are assessed by an International Jury but said that there was no guarantee for success.

200 wds

COUNCIL: FOUR MAIN STREAMS OF INCOME LINKED WITH CENTRES

Fingal earns over €1.3m in recycling revenues Q MIMI MURRAY

N E W f i g u r e s h ave revealed that the total estimated revenue earned from recycling centres in Fingal came to a massive €1,328,000 in 2011.

The figures have been released by Fingal County Council.

According to the council, there are four main streams of revenue linked with the running of the recycling centres and bring banks.

A gate fee charge paid by customers bringing in items of waste that are accepted with a charge brought in €322,000.

A R e p a k s u b s i d y, which is paid by Repak for the recycling of pack-

Fingal County Council released figures on recycling revenue that exceeds €1.3m

aging collected from the recycling centres and the bring banks, brought in a total of €131,000.

The subsidy is paid for each tonne of packaging recycled and the level of subsidy may vary from time to time and is set

by Repak; €92,000 was brought in from bring

banks and €39,000 for recycling centres.

Material value is a revenue for collecting certain waste streams that have a value on the market such as metal, clothes, paper and cardboard; €112,000 was brought in from recycling centres in 2011.

A €628,000 subsidy from the Department of Environment, Community and Local Government for the operational cost of recycling facilities is a subsidy paid by the DECLG for all local authorities to cover operational costs of providing recycling facilities.

The subsidy is paid every six months as a lump sum and covers all recycling facilities with no breakdown of how the subsidy is calculated.

The total allocation available to all local authorities for the periods July to December 2010 and January to June 2011 was €5 million on each case – down from €6 million for the previous periods.

In addition to this, a payment is made by the Department for the acceptance of WEEE at the recycling centres. The last payment received was for the period July 2010 to June 2011 and totalled €135,000.

12 January 2012 MALAHIDE GAZETTE 3

CHARITY Locals urged to help Crumlin hospital

A Valentine’s ball to support cancer unit Q MIMI MURRAY

malahide@gazettegroup.com

LOCALS will be donning their glad rags for a good cause when they attend the third Valentine’s Ball at Portmarnock Sports and Leisure Centre this February.

Proceeds raised from the charity ball, which takes place on Saturday, February 11, will go towards the National Haematology and Oncology Unit in Our Lady’s Children Hospital in Crumlin.

The mother of Malahide girl, Mia Keane, who was diagnosed at the age of five with a cancerous tumour on her kidney, is

COUNCIL

Cracked path to be repaired A TREE , which has severely damaged the footpath at the front of No 13, St Sylvester’s Villas, Malahide, will be removed and the footpath repaired.

Fingal County Council told Fianna Fail councillor Eoghan O’Brien, who raised the issue at a Howth-Malahide Area Committee meeting, that the tree is a semi-mature Norway Maple, growing in a narrow concrete path under overhead services.

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‘The money raised will go towards ongoing research and development of oncology treatment, and to the ward itself, which is undergoing redevelopment’

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Maire Keane

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urging people to attend and help raise funds for the unit at the children’s hospital.

Following her diagnosis in 2008, Mia had her kidney removed and underwent six months of chemotherapy.

Thanks to the wonderful staff and support in Crumlin, Mia successfully finished her treat-

ment and was recovering well.

However, in November, 2010, doctors discovered that her tumour had unfortunately returned, this time affecting her lung.

She recommenced treatment two weeks later, this time with more intensive chemotherapy and radiotherapy.

Local girl, Mia Keane, is almost hidden behind a cheque donation, the proceeds of last year’s Valentine ball in aid of a cancer research ward

Mia is still currently undergoing treatment.

According to her mother, Maire: “The return of Mia’s tumour highlights the necessity for ongoing research and development of oncology treatment.

“The money raised will go towards this research,

and to the ward itself, which is currently undergoing redevelopment.

“To date, we have raised more than €26,000, and we hope to match or surpass this figure this year.”

Tickets cost €60 each, which will include a champagne reception,

a four-course meal, live band, DJ, a late bar and great prizes to be won.

If you wish to receive further information in relation to this event, to book a table, or make a donation, contact Kelli O’Malley on 086 083 3258, or Karen O’Mara on 086 888 5285.

Trip hazard “The path is cracked with a greater than 10mm trip hazard. Due to the limited rooting space available to this tree, it is most likely that cracking would continue even if the footpath is repaired or replaced.

“It is therefore proposed to remove this tree and repair the footpath,” said the council.

4 MALAHIDE GAZETTE 12 January 2012

TRAFFIC Some highlights of AA Roadwatch’s year in 2011

What links a lost goose, a queen and a president?

“A GOOSE on the Red Cow” has been named as one of the AA’s top traffic moments of 2011.

Looking back on some of the funniest traffic moments last year, Aoife Carragher, head of AA Roadwatch, said that without a doubt the day Gertie The Goose took to the interchange certainly stands out.

“Ah, yes, Gertie caused quite the flap that day,” she

said. “We never did find out where she came from.”

Topping the team from AA Roadwatch’s list of highlights were the two unforgettable State visits, with the first being the historic arrival of Queen Elizabeth II in May, which resulted in unprecedented security measures and massive road closures across Dublin.

Carragher said: “Never before has Dublin city or,

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‘Topping AA Roadwatch’s list of 2011 traffic highlights were the two State visits’ -------------------------------

indeed, Ireland seen such a total lock-down.

“Visits to our website, and our number of Twitter follow-

ers, went through the roof that week as we fed travel updates to the public.”

Then, President Obama’s visit later the same month also led to major traffic disruptions.

Carragher said: “Thousands of extra motorists descended on Dublin and Moneygall at the time, and we were hot on the heels of [the American president’s cavalcade], keeping motorists up to date on

the movements of the president”.

Taking the final slot in the team’s most stand out traffic incidents of 2011 were the flash floods of October, which brought many of the main arteries in and out of the capital to a standstill.

“October 24 really stands out as one of the most severe and impactful weather events of 2011.

“We even had reports of a

FastNews

Awards: Best blog winners

Tree removal to be part of Winter Works THE removal of trees at the green adjacent to Seabury will be included in the Winter Work Programme 2011-2012.

Fianna Fail councillor, Eoghan O’Brien, asked Fingal County Council to include the thinning out of the trees adjacent to the green at Seabury with the rugby posts, and particularly along the property of Balreagan House, Estuary Road, in the Winter Works Programme.

The council said the understorey planting at this location will be pruned back, in order to improve visibility at this location.

few canoeists paddling their way down the N3,” said Carragher.

The flash floods also saw a barrage of calls for AA patrols, both during and in the days following the floods.

AA Rescue reports that their average daily workload on October 25 in Dublin was 143% higher than the October daily average, as a result of varying degrees of waterdamaged engines.

DAN’S 5th class Blog

(pictured), from Balbriggan Educate Together National School, were the winners of the Best School Blog category at the recent Junior Spiders awards ceremony which took place at The Helix in DCU. This is the third year of the awards, which recognise and reward primary and post primary students for the pioneering and successful ways they use the internet in their daily lives.

QUESTION: FCC ASKED IF THEIR ACTIONS HAD BEEN ‘COMPLETELY INADEQUATE’

Fingal Council defends its response to local flooding

Request to move pole declined

MIMI MURRAY malahide@gazettegroup.com

AN ESB pole that, according to Cllr Anthony Lavin, is obstructing the view of traffic at the junction of the Swords Road and Millview Road, will not be moved.

He asked the council to request that the ESB move the large grey pole as it is causing an obstruction to traffic attempting to get out onto the Swords Road.

The council said: “The pole was relocated to its current position a few years ago, as it was affecting sightlines at this junction. It is not proposed to relocate it a second time.”

FINGAL County Council has hit back at suggestions that its response to flooding during severe weather events has “lacked urgency”.

This was in response to a question from Fianna Fail councillor Eoghan O’Brien in December, who asked the council to agree that its response to numerous representations from public representatives since the 2008 floodings had been “completely inadequate and lacking urgency”.

The council said that “understandably, householders who were flood-

ed in 2008 and recently in 2011 may consider the response inadequate, but these individual events were reported to the members,” on several occasions, they said.

“Following the flooding event of August, 2008, a comprehensive report was presented to the county council meeting held on September 8, 2008, outlining the flooding incidences and the response of the council. The report was discussed at length by the members.

“A repor t on the exceptional weather of October 24/25, 2011 was presented to the county council meeting held on November 14, 2011, which

detailed the incidences of flooding, and the response of the council to same.

This report was discussed fully by the members,” said the council.

Meanwhile, the council reported on funding for flood prevention measures.

Cllr O’Brien asked the council if the money had been drawn down, and what it would be spent on.

In response, the council said: “Since the flooding event of 2008, two areas that experienced flooding, Rowlestown and Aspen, were added to the then under way FEMFRAMS Study.

“As a result of the FEM-

FRAMS report, Fingal County Council applied for funding from the OPW earlier this year to carry out the work recommended for these two areas.

“On August 2 this year [2011], we received notice from the OPW that funding had been approved for these two schemes, in the amounts of €153,000 and €54,000 respectively.

“We replied on August 17 to acknowledge that we would be taking up the funding.

“The proposed works at Aspen have now been completed, and we are currently applying to the OPW to draw down the funds for this work.

“The proposed works

at Rowlestown have not been started, as additional survey work and additional design work is needed before construction can commence. We intend to engage a consultant to undertake this survey and design work.

Funding “One condition of the funding from the OPW was that the funds be substantially expended before the end of the year.

“As this will not now happen for the Rowlestown work, because of the unexpected additional design that is necessary, we are applying to the OPW to preserve the funding for Rowlestown

into the New Year.

“All flood alleviation works are designed to prevent flooding up to a specified design return period. Nationally, a return period of 1 in 100 years has been adopted as the economical limit of design.

“Floods beyond this return period will, therefore, not be catered for in typical flood relief works. In addition, even where the 1 in 100 year flood is not exceeded, outside influences may cause flood defences to be breached, eg debris blocking streams or culverts; trees being washed down river and causing blockages.”

12 January 2012 MALAHIDE GAZETTE 5

6 MALAHIDE GAZETTE 12 January 2012

OPINION Tackling the question of who pays sick workers?

In the wake of a Government proposal to force companies to fund a portion of employees’ sick leave, we look at two very different opinions on the move

Managing the cost of illness benefit Q JOAN BURTON TD Minister for Social Protection

TOO many workers leave the labour market due to health problems and too few people with reduced work capacity are working. This is a social and economic tragedy.

It is a social tragedy, because it leaves people stranded on benefit payments when they might otherwise be working; and it is an economic tragedy because it is costing a fortune to deliver poor outcomes.

Illness Benefit is a payment for insured people who cannot work due to illness. The cost of Illness Benefit alone has risen from €330 million

to €900 million over the last 10 years.

This is one of reasons that the Social Insurance Fund had a hole of €1.9 billion at the end of last year.

There are three main ways to fill that hole.

First, we can raise the amount that employers and employees pay in to the fund through their PRSI contributions.

Second, we can reduce the benefits we pay out to people who make claims.

Third, we can reform the system.

One way to reform the system is to introduce a statutory sick pay scheme under which the employer funds sick pay for a period of time before the

Social Insurance Fund steps in.

In Ireland, Illness Benefit is usually payable by the Social Insurance Fund after the third day of illness. Instead, I would like to see employers in the public and the private sectors step in after the third day and pay for sick pay for an initial period of a few weeks.

This would help plug the hole in the Social Insurance Fund and reduce levels of absenteeism in both the public and private sectors with consequent savings for all.

Most other European countries oblige employers to pay some sick pay costs.

In the Netherlands, employers pay for the

first two years, in the UK they pay for 28 weeks and in Germany they pay for six weeks.

The example of the Netherlands is an inspiring one. Sickness related absentee rates in the Netherlands fell from 10% to 4% following the introduction of statutory sick pay there.

Employers in Ireland are in the enviable position of making both very low PRSI contributions and no contribution to sick pay absence costs.

The OECD, in its annual review of taxation (Taxing Wages 2010), calculated that the average employer insurance contribution in Ireland was 9.7%. There are only six countries out of 34

Minister for Social Protection, Joan Burton TD

countries surveyed that have a lower social insurance contribution from employers.

The OECD also recommended introducing a mandatory period of employer-provided sick pay in Ireland.

I h ave m e t w i t h employer representative

groups, both large and small. I am acutely aware of the particular difficulties being faced by many companies, especially smaller ones, during these tough economic times.

That is why I will be holding a consultation with employers, OECD representatives, public

health professionals, trade unions and other experts next month to see if we can establish common ground on ways to manage sick absences and plug the hole in the Social Insurance Fund. I will be listening very carefully to all their views.

‘This demonstrates a profound ignorance of human nature and a lack of understanding’ Q MARK FIELDING CEO, the Irish Small & Medium Enterprises Association

THE “sick” pay proposal

by Minister Joan Burton, to transfer responsibility for paying the first month of illness from the State to individual employers, demonstrates a book-keeping rather than economic approach, a profound ignorance of human nature and a lack of understanding of the SME sector, being illconceived, irrational and will add to company costs and to the numbers joining the dole queues.

The Minister has stated that forcing companies to pay for sick pay (which is not mandatory in most instances), will somehow reduce absenteeism in the workplace, indicates that she is either extremely naïve, which I don’t believe, or is

attempting to get businesses to pick up the tab for the excesses of the public sector. The reality is that, once you make it easier to claim “sick pay”, the frequency of “feigned illness” will increase and absenteeism will rise.

According to the most recent ISME survey (Dec 2011), the typical number of days lost per annum due to absenteeism in SMEs is 3 days and well policed, contrary to the Minister’s assertion. This compares to a massive inefficient 12 days in the public sector, where the employer (the State) pays sick pay. We know that civil and public servants are not more susceptible to illness than private sector employees, therefore logic dictates that the massive differential is a result of the “sick pay scheme”. The easier the system the “sicker” you get!

Mark Fielding, CEO ISME

In the main the SME private sector already has the additional cost of employing a replacement when someone is out sick, whereas the public sector

just defers the work. In addition employers and employees already make substantial contributions through PRSI to support the provision of sick

pay by Social Protection.

If the Minister imposes her proposals, without a reduction in PRSI, it will result in an additional tax cost to employers, which will act as a disincentive to businesses to create and maintain employment. It will, unfortunately, lead to many companies reassessing their requirement for labour and the individuals that they may employ. Put simply, Minister Burton’s “sick” pay proposal will cause job losses.

It becomes obvious therefore that introducing mandatory sick pay on top of the additional state-controlled cost increases in transport, energy and local charges, is going to be the straw that breaks the camel’s back in many instances. If these proposals are introduced it will cause untold damage to smaller businesses, resulting in closures and significant job

losses. The Minister would be better off tackling the absenteeism, wastage and inefficiencies in the public sector, instead of attempting to stymie and undermine the business sector, the main vehicle for economic and employment growth.

The schizophrenic tendency of the Government is extremely worrying with job creation being drum-rolled as a priority on the one hand and this outlandish “sick” job-killing proposal on the other.

In summary – we already pay PRS Insurance to cover sick pay, we pay for a replacement and now we will have to pay sick pay, which logic dictates will increase absenteeism, thereby increasing the cost further.

Common sense, or any sense at all, needs to be applied and this ludicrous proposal needs to be dumped once and for all.

12 January 2012 MALAHIDE GAZETTE 7

8 MALAHIDE GAZETTE 12 January 2012

TAKE 2 Some more pictures from a local volunteer working

A unique look at life in Haiti N our last issue before Christmas we brought you a feature about a local resident and teacher, Jacinta McGuane, who gave a personal and unique account of her day-to-day life at the Nos Petits Freres et Soeurs orphanage in Haiti where she is currently working as a volunteer on a special needs programme. There she has witnessed how the spirit of the people has gained momentum and strength since the earthquake in 2010.

“The home is directed by Sr Altagrace, a strongwilled Salesian nun. The school is directed by Sr Monet, who takes great pride in educating all 600 students, 200 of whom come to school from the surrounding countryside to get an education of the highest standard, and, of course, a large healthy lunch every day before they return to their work on the farms,” says Jacinta.

This week we are running some more of the pictures of life at the orphanage.

You can check Nos Petits Freres et Soeurs out at www.nphi.org or www.npfs.org for more information.

I

The school takes great pride in educating all 600 students

The local children help out in the home’s kitchen, gardens and the depot

12 January 2012 MALAHIDE GAZETTE 9

at the Nos Petits Freres et Soeurs orphanage in Haiti

Working in the kitchen garden

Helping out

Enjoying some music and dancing

10 MALAHIDE GAZETTE 12 January 2012

EVENT Fingal Ethnic Network hold end-of-year bash

Penelope Mukar with DJ Sikadwa

Bubaca, Pastor Thywill Bankole Mbuka Ngimbi and Alain Tshibalabala

Celebrating group support INGAL Ethnic Network held their End of The Year Event in River Valley GAA hall in Swords on December 17.

The event was held to show appreciation for the input of all the volunteers’ members and their groups as well as the supporters of

F

Rafe Costigan and Blaise Tangamu

Fingal Ethnic Network.

Guests enjoyed some great music, lots of delicious food and performances. It also showcased the diversity of their network as the performances and dinner consisted of different cuisines.

John O Uwhumiakpor and Dr Umar Al Qadri

Spamad and Dawad Syed. Pictures: Una Williams

Blaise Tangamu and Adaku Ezeudu

Folashade Onasanya and Abdul Quadiri

12 January 2012 GAZETTE 11

12 GAZETTE 12 January 2012

GazetteFITNESS FITNESS

Brought to you by Derry Temple personal trainer and pilates instructor

FACTS: HORMONES CAUSE YOU TO LAY DOWN FAT

Shifting that stubborn fat around the belly HY is it that when we put on fat it always goes straight to our stomach?

You can blame genetics, which have programmed us to store fat around our belly, but the truth is the hormonal system plays a huge part and preventing this from happening is well within your control. The two hormones, cortisol and insulin, are the primary culprits in causing you to lay down fat on your midsection.

In one respect cortisol is a vital hormone because it helps regulate the metabolism of fat, protein and carbohydrates. Cortisol, how-

W

ever, is also responsible for telling your body to store fat, for increasing your appetite and for locking fat around your middle.

Cortisol is a stress hormone that can be traced back to our evolutionary response to danger.

When your brain thinks that your life is under threat it stimulates the adrenal glands to release the hormones adrenaline and cortisol. Adrenaline helps you become alert and focused and the cortisol increases levels of fats and sugar in the bloodstream to fuel your physical response.

Our busy, modern-

GOT A STORY? WE WANT TO KNOW!

day lifestyle has caused a lot of us to be stressed and this often results in a constant low-grade release of cortisol; stress comes in many different forms. Cortisol can be produced by emotional and dietary stress resulting from poor eating habits, lack of sleep, excessive intake of alcohol and stimulants such as caffeine, sugar and tobacco.

W hen we produce excess cortisol we end up with a surplus of fat and sugar in the bloodstream; we then produce insulin in response.

Insulin is responsible for sending sugar to fuel the brain, stowing sugar into cells and helping

Call our NEWS TEAM on 60 10 240 or email news@gazettegroup.com

decrease blood sugar levels.

Fat cannot be stored in cells without the presence of insulin. The reason why fat targets your middle is because it is close to your liver where it can be quickly converted to energy if needed.

Abdominal fat cells also have four times more receptor cells for cortisol then anywhere else in the body so you are naturally programmed to lay down any excess fat here.

Stress leads to high levels of cortisol; high levels of cortisol lead to insulin resistance and insulin resistance can lead to diabetes and heart disease.

If you hold fat around the middle, you have a good chance of becoming insulin resistant and should take the necessary dietary and lifestyle measures to lose that fat.

Avoid excess carbohydrate consumption, ensure a balanced diet with the appropriate mix of healthy fats, lean proteins and plenty of vegetables. Avoid stimulants and excess alcohol consumption, ensure you get 7-9 hours of sleep per night, and try to avoid stressful situations.

Learn to deal with stress through stress-reducing techniques such as meditation or therapy.

Physical activity helps to burn up energy stores leading to less fat storage, it is also a great emotional stress buster and causes the release of the brains neurotransmitter serotonin

Physical activity helps to burn up energy stores, leading to less fat storage

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‘The reason why fat targets your middle is because it is close to your liver where it can be quickly converted to energy if needed’

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– the “happy” hormone and an ideal adversary for cortisol and insulin.

DT Fitness specialises in helping people lose weight and achieve their

optimum performance levels of fitness.

For the months of January and February DT is offering the readers of The Gazette a free Boot-

camp or pilates class.

Simply mention that you are a Gazette reader when you book with us.

For further details log onto www.dtfitness.ie

12 January 2012 GAZETTE 13

GazetteNUTRITION NUTRITION Spice up your life for the new year

Spices are recognised as having disease-preventing and health-promoting qualities

LEILA JOHARI

MANY centuries ago European explorers brought herbs and spices to our shores from far distant lands. These herbs and spices not only tasted amazing, but were found to have more disease-fighting antioxidants than most fruits and vegetables.

Reasons to spice up your life

In ancient times, herbs and spices were recognised as having diseasepreventing and healthpromoting qualities. They contain plant-derived chemical compounds that have carminative, anti-inflammatory and anti-flatulent properties.

Spices have been found to make digestion more powerful by increasing gastro-intestinal secretions and the motility of the intestinal tract.

The components in spices have been found to have anti-clotting action, preventing clogging of platelets in the blood vessels, thus helping ease blood flow, preventing stroke and coronary heart disease.

They are composed of an impressive list of phyto-nutrients, essential oils, anti-oxidants, vitamins and minerals such as potassium, manganese, iron and magnesium. Potassium is a vital

component of cell and body fluids that helps control heart rate and blood pressure. Manganese is used by the body as a co-factor for the antioxidant enzyme superoxide dismutase.

Spices are often used to treat colds, influenza, mild fevers, indigestion, stomach upsets and painful menstruation.

In addition to this, the essential oils found in herbs and spices are used in aromatherapy helping us to relax.

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10 herbs and spices to include in your diet

Garlic: Destroys cancer cells and disrupts the metabolism of tumour cells. Garlic is a popular herb that is used in most cooking. It can also be eaten raw but keep in mind the effect it has on your breath… don’t go eating it before a hot date.

Paprika: Contains capasaicin which has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. It is also found in cayenne and red chilli peppers. Set your taste buds alight with a chilli chicken salad. Just coat one chicken fillet with olive oil, cayenne and paprika, bake in the oven for approximately half an hour and serve with a fresh green salad.

Ginger: Can decrease motion sickness and nausea. It may relieve pain and swelling associated with arthritis. Ginger can

Cinnamon: Can lower blood sugar, triglycerides, LDL, and total cholesterol. Try adding cinnamon to a cup of hot milk for a bedtime treat.

Turmeric: Contains curcumin which can inhibit the growth of cancer cells. Turmeric is used when cooking rice in India – simply add to water when cooking. It also gives the rice a distinctive yellow colour which looks very impressive and sets the taste buds tingling.

Rosemary: Is said to enhance memory and help mild depression, headaches and migraine.

It helps prevent damage to blood vessels that may raise the risk of heart attack. Rosemary gives a tasty twist to herbal bread.

‘Spices are often used to treat colds, influenza, mild fevers, indigestion, stomach upsets and painful menstruation’

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be used in savoury dishes and teas.

If you fancy something a little sweet it is delicious used in baking such as ginger-nut biscuits and sticky ginger pudding.

Oregano: Oregano has the highest anti-oxidant activity of 27 fresh culinary herbs so, next time your request extra toppings on your pizza, be sure to include oregano on your list.

Parsley: This little herb was popular with Romans and is still as popular today. It is rich in iron, carotenoids and vitamin C. It is a diuretic and helps stimulate the liver. Parsley is known to be a breath freshener so if you have eaten garlic, perhaps it would be a good idea to have some parsley after.

Thyme: Is a powerful antiseptic and helps conditions such as thrush and asthma. Thyme is used widely in meat cooking, stuffing and soups.

Mint: Mint contains methanol, used widely as an indigestion remedy and for clearing congestion in colds and chest infections.

It also helps purify the breath, an infusion applied to the skin can help relieve pain and, an oil infusion can be used as a massage balm. No need to feel guilty about having that after dinner mint.

14 GAZETTE 12 January 2012

GazettePROPERTY PROPERTY INTERIORS: A TOUCH OF THE STYLISH

M&S bring designer flourish to new range MARKS & Spencer are launching their new interiors collection for 2012 next week; with an array of stylish items, from clean and crisp bedding to fun pops of colour in the kitchen and classic funiture pieces, there is something to suit every taste and budget.

The new ranges include exclusive items from Conran, bringing their contemporary design and impeccable attention to detail into the bedroom and dining room.

Meanwhile, the trend for mid-century design influences and nostalgic design pieces continues to gather pace in 2012, with new furniture styles appearing as functional talking points.

CO MEATH: FIVE-BEDROOM LUXURY NEAR ATHBOY

Fine find at Fosterfields CARTY Property Advisors are bringing Fosterfields, Athboy, Co Meath, a detached dormer-style bungalow standing on a large site, to the market, for the asking price of â‚Ź359,950.

This luxurious designer home extends to c260 sq m of well-proportioned living space, an abundance of natural light with superb attention to quality and detail.

The accommodation comprises entrance hall with a tiled floor, a spacious lounge which sports a feature fireplace and pine coving, and which is carpeted.

The kitchen/dining room has a range of pinefitted wall and floor press units, together with parttiled walls and tiled floor, and has double doors to

Fosterfields in Athboy, Co Meath is on the market for â‚Ź395,950

the conservatory.

There is also an utility room, as well as a guest WC downstairs. This is in addition to a bedroom currently used as a family room, and an en suite bedroom, which has a solid wood floor, built-in wardrobes and window overlooking rear garden.

Upstairs there are three

additional bedrooms, one of which is en suite, as well as the family bathroom, which includes a corner bath, separate shower unit, WC and WHB, with fully tiled walls and floor.

The property stands on a large site with gated access, and has a tarmac driveway to the front and rear, with decking to the

rear, and a free-standing garage with roller door.

There is also a football pitch to the rear.

Fosterfields is in walkin condition throughout and viewing is recommended. Appointments can be arranged by contacting Marie Carty at Carty Property Advisors on 046 94 86860.

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12 January 2012 GAZETTE 15

16 GAZETTE 12 January 2012

GazetteMUSIC MUSIC FastTunes with Radio Nova’s Dee Woods

ONES TO WATCH: A FEW OF THE FACES WHO WILL MAKE 2012

Fresh feel for the new year with new talent Q ROB HEIGH

IF MUSIC be the food of love, it wasn’t enough for some rockers-turned-restaurateurs in 2011.

We saw Jon Bon Jovi keep the faith in New Jersey with Soul Kitchen, a restaurant where diners pay what they can. AC/DC drummer Phil Rudd literally put his name to a New Zealand restaurant: Phil’s Place promises a “whole dining experience”, where it looks like prices are nonnegotiable.

And now Smashing Pumpkins’ Billy Corgan’s going about as rock and roll as it gets...with high tea. The singer wants to open a 1930s-style Chinese tea-house in the Highland Park area of Chicago. Can’t imagine there’ll be the smashing of anything there, though there might be if he brings in some of the fighters from his WWF franchise!

Listen to Dee Woods from Radio Nova every weeknight from 7pm to 12am on 100.3FM

ANOTHER year, and the hopes are high for an incredibly special 2012.

It’s tough to make your way through the up-andcoming tips for the top lists, but it’s my humble duty to pick three of the many that will undoubtedly still be around at the end of the year and be on constant rotation on your iPod playlists.

The first is perhaps the most obvious, but it’s hard to argue with such unique talent. Michael K iwanuka’s star has been on the rise since he appeared on Later With

Jools Holland last year, and with a growing list of plaudits and acclaim, I initially wondered if there was a just a bit too much hype and not a whole lot of substance. How wrong I was.

K iwanuka’s songs are full of soul and feeling, threading back their influences to soul legends like Sam Cooke and Bill Withers, imbibed with an easy, langorous cool underpinned by some fine melodies. With his debut album, Home Again, set to appear in March, Kiwunaka will be one of the top-selling artists of the year, easily.

He also plays at The Sugar Club on February 11 and joining him there will be my second pick, the equally understated but equally gobsmackingly good three-piece, The Staves.

Nor th Londoners Emily, Jessica and Camilla have a strong pedigree as far as their influences are concerned - among them Fleet Foxes, Simon and Garfunkel and Buffalo Springfield - but their unique harmonies and melding of bright English folk and sublime

Bright hopes: Michael Kinuwaka, The Staves and Morning Parade

West Coast pop is something to mark them out as ones to watch.

Their Mexico EP contains some of the most haunting and memorable music you’ll hear this side of Laura Marling, and the fact their debut

album features the production work of Glyn and Ethan Johns (whose credits include The Rolling Stones, Ryan Adams and the aforementioned Marling) means you ought to be seeking them out immediately.

Find out more on their Facebook page or at www.thestaves.com.

Last of my early season picks are Morning Parade, picking up the pace and making a case for the indie anthem crown.

With hints of Radiohead and the criminally under-appreciated Puressence, and the ability to switch the tempo and attack up and down at will, Morning Parade’s debut EPs have showcased their skills in the studio, but it is live where they are set apart, with energetic performances that have seen them build up a fanatical live following.

Those are three, but honourable mentions must go to Lana Del Rey, Azealia Banks, Flux Pavillion, To Kill A King, Spector, Howler and Lianne La Havas as those most likely to provide some thrilling pop moments throughout the year as well.

In the absence of a mega-festival to cater for all tastes, the calendar is already full of live experiences that should not be missed.

Already lined up are shows from the legendary Stone Roses and Bruce Springsteen, as well as certain-to-be-epic visits from Florence And The Machine, Deadmau5 and Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds, and some smaller-scale lessons in magnificence from Lambchop, Lisa Hannigan and The Magnetic Fields.

A very happy new year in store, indeed.

12 January 2012 GAZETTE 17

GazettePETS PETS

Brought to you by Miriam Kerins of the DSPCA

THE FACTS: WITH THE NEW YEAR, TAKE A NEW APPROACH TO LOOKING AFTER FIDO

Resolve for better pet care in 2012 ONE of the best traditions of ringing in the New Year is “the resolution”.

So, readers, have you managed to keep yours, or have you broken them yet? I’ll bet you have.

I know, I know – like me, two seconds into 2012 you resolved to eat less and move more and yet, here we are, two weeks into the New Year, and the old backside is still sitting on the sofa.

So, I’d ask all you pet parents to forget about your own resolutions, and to ask yourselves: “What were the top five things I wanted to do for my dog in 2011 and, have I managed to do them?”

If you have, then well done, you, and give yourself a big pat on the back.

If you haven’t, don’t beat yourself up about it; sure, I make lots of plans for my pets, and hardly ever see them through.

For example, I said no more dogs in 2012 … err, weeks into the New Year, and I’m fostering another one.

Okay, it’s only a foster, but it’s going to be long-term, (so don’t tell hubby)!

However, I’m lucky – I can provide for my animals, and they are all microchipped, vaccinated and spayed/neutered.

So, if like me, you’ve failed to get rolling with those New Year pet plans, then take a look at my top suggestions for 2012, and see if you can at least stick to three of them.

I know I’m going to try

Everyone wants their pet to look and feel this healthy so, for 2012, keep resolutions to care for your pet

very hard this year.

Possible resolutions

• Check it out: Regular check-ups give your vet the chance of picking up on any developing illnesses, and the opportunity to

take care of them immediately.

For example, a New Year’s examination of the heart, lungs and teeth, etc will prove less costly in the long run, rather than waiting for that problem

to develop.

• Get the look: It’s 2012, and those long nails and a matted coat are soooo last year, so take Fido to the poodle parlour for a bit of pampering.

After all, who wants to cuddle a sticky pooch?

If your groomer can’t resolve coat problems, then it’s back to the vet for advice in order to rule out any suspected underlying medical problems.

• Watch the weight: Read the feeding guidelines on your pet’s food and follow them carefully.

Overweight animals face a number of health risks.

Lay off the scraps and too many treats and, if your pet is not already on a well-balanced, topquality dried pet food diet, now is the time to

consider one.

However, never change your dog’s diet overnight, especially if he’s a puppy.

Do it gradually, in order to avoid tummy upsets.

Ask your vet for advice if unsure.

• Poison-proof your home: Are there dangerous toxins lurking in your cupboards? The home can be a minefield for dogs and cats.

Lock those poisons away today, get rid of any toxic plants and create a safe environment for your animals.

• ID: Microchip your pets and get them a new collar and ID tag.

Make sure your information is accurate and, if it changes – such as you get a new mobile phone number or move house –

update it now.

• Basic training: Teach your dog basic commands and good manners, such as Sit, Stay and Heel, and always reward him for good behaviour.

• Pet phobias: Have you noticed your dog/cat sometimes gets scared? If so, investigate.

Find out what causes their fears and help them cope. A good dog trainer can be very helpful here.

• Pet boarding: Booked the family holiday yet?

Then check out boarding facilities or pet sitters now before the best ones are booked.

Happy 2012!

For more information, log on to www.dspca.ie or email me at miriam.kerins@dspca.ie

18 GAZETTE 12 January 2012

GazetteBUSINESS BUSINESS

Supported by AIB

Interview: Donna Mitchell Murphy, owner Zumba Fitness Blanchardstown

Bitten by the dancing bug DONNA Mitchell Murphy teaches at Zumba Fitness Blanchardstown.

She grew up in north Dublin and danced in various shows and competitions around Ireland. She always wanted to become a professional dancer and always loved music.

While at school, Donna worked part-time in a pharmacy. She studied at evening college, receiving her diplomas.

She heard about Zumba Fitness, and knew instantly she would love being back at what she always wanted to do.

She set herself a challenge to train with a ZES (Zumba Education Specialist) Hermann Melo. Hermann trained Donna in a programme that was going to take her into a whirlwind of changes.

The Zumba® workout provides

long-term fitness benefits through exhilarating, high calorie-burning fitness classes.

“I get to share this enjoyment with everyone that walks through the door and I absolutely love it,” she says.

“I also run Zumba events. The next one open to the public is for www. babymax.ie on January 27, 2012 at Wanderers’ Rugby new clubhouse; €10 minimum donation to enter with 100% of donations going to the charity. ZES Hermann Melo will be our guest.

“I really hope to see you at one of my classes; I promise you will feel the benefits of the workout.”

For more information, call Donna on 0873221120 or email her ar fitstudio15@gmail.com.

Zumba instructor, Donna Mitchell Murphy

Q&A

Bliss: Brides bagging bargains at Wedding Journal Show 2012 IRISH Brides could save €€€€s at this

year’s Wedding Journal Show, which takes place in the Citywest Complex from the January 13-15. Everyone who buys a ticket online or at the show will be automatically entered into a prize draw to win a dream wedding package worth a staggering €25k.

The prize includes a wedding reception from Ballymagarvey Village, a luxury honeymoon with Sunway Holidays and Cyprus Tourism Organisation, wedding dress and Two Birds bridesmaid dresses from Frilly Frocks, room dressing from Frog Prince, photography by Laura Faherty and wedding rings from The Wedding Ring Shop.

Brides attending the show will be spoilt for choice, with the Irish Independent Style Stage hosted by Sinead Desmond, an internationally renowned bridal catwalk show, dedicated Irish Designer Zone, a Champagne Bar and much, much more.

Visit www.weddingjournalonline.com for details.

Q: What’s currently on your desk that shouldn’t be?

A: I’d like to say a glass of

ways wanted to listen to Top of the Pops but my family wanted to watch football. I always won because I was a whinger.

champagne, but it’s an ice-cold bottle of Perroni and a slice of Dominos

Q: What was your first job?

A: I’ve always worked in pharmacy for the same owner, Fergus Hoban. I actually only left Touchstone Pharmacy, Mulhuddart Village, recently. I still gate-crash their Christmas parties though!

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Q: Is there anything about yourself that you would like to set the record straight on?

A: I’m actually a shy person.

But, when I teach, I am not shy. There is something in the music that makes me go crazy

Q: What sport do you follow?

A: Like many women, I have no

Q: Have you ever done a job you loathed?

A: Yes, I tried Beauty and I

choice but to follow football.

At home they are fanatics, so I just go with the flow

HATED waxing

Q: What sport can you play?

A: I cycle, run and swim quite

Q: What is the best thing about your job?

A: I build new friendships with everyone that comes through my door. They laugh their heads off as they leave my class all covered in sweat. This makes my job very enjoyable

Q: Have you achieved anything that you once thought you could not pull of?

A: Yes, I planned a wedding in Italy for a great couple. I thought I was going to die (I’m super dramatic)

Q: What part of your working day do you ‘delegate’?

A: I’m independent, so I have

W

146,000* PEOPLE IN DUBLIN READ OUR PAPERS EACH WEEK

Q: When you were a kid, what did you want to be?

A: I wanted to be a dancer. I al-

no one to delegate too. I ask my students to open the door if the mirrors are steaming up, that would be it

often. I’d love to surf but, knowing me, I’d drown first time

Q: What habits would you like to lose?

A: I get really nervous over silly things. I also pick at things when I’m uncomfortable. I’ve just been told by my orthodontist that I have a dislocated jaw, might be from talking too much

Q: At the moment, what are you looking forward to?

A: I am going to the very first Zumba Fitness Convention in London in February, where I will be one of the first instructors in the world to be trained in the new Zumba SENTAO programme

Q: What is your guilty music/ TV or movie pleasure?

A: Zumba Zumba Zumba!

I love Erasure, love the 80’s music and classical music. I try stay “with it” so I enjoy Rihanna, Danza Kuduro and David Guetta. For movies, for How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days I roll around laughing, my eyes water everytime. On TV, Desperate Housewives and Boardwalk Empire

Q: Who best represents modern Ireland –David Norris or Jedward?

A: Jedward all the way. They’re so happy, we should try to be more happy like those pair

Q: What music/pictures/movies do you have on your iPod/ iPad? A: Pictures of my family at Christmas; I’ve not uploaded them yet. Music, about 3,000 Zumba Classics.

Q: What was your last Tweet/ status update?

A: And it’s done. First Zumba Fitness class of 2012 happened at Dance Addiction Dublin and it was FANTASTIC. Thank you to all, old and new students, it was really great to see you all there. Roll on MONDAY!

Q: Describe your dream meal?

A: Chinese food from Wongs,

would be afraid to speak to Enda Kenny as it would end up in a massive argument

Q: How many pairs of shoes do you own?

A: Ha! Did my mam tell you to ask me this? I own about 60 pairs of shoes, BUT only 20 are really good ones that live in their actual boxes and have their own shelf

Q: What was your worst holiday experience?

A: Oh, has to be losing my luggage when I was six months pregnant. We were in a very “skimpy” part of the world and their bikini’s left very little to the imagination.

Q: Describe your dream holiday?

A: My dream holiday is Florida.

I’ve been before many times and I absolutely love it. I get to go on the HULK and Dueling Dragons with the kids. I’d go back year after year with the boys. You’re never too young or old for Florida

Q: What would be your dream job?

A: I’m doing it. My dream was to be a dancer and it’s here with me now

or a huge Steak from The Chop House. I love good food

Q: What do you plan to do when you retire?

A: Travel the world. I want to

Q: Who would you rather have dinner with – Enda Kenny or Dame Edna?

A: Oh God, Dame Edna. I

visit North Africa first and help some areas there. Then, I’m on planes, trains and automobiles… best get saving so!

12 January 2012 GAZETTE 19

Well-Being

F E E L I N G

&

L O O K I N G

W

HEALTH&

G O O D BIG DEAL!

Listen to your heart: Not your head

Go ahead and get slimmer this year

WESTLIFE’S Nicky Byrne is set to return this January as the encouraging voice on the Irish Heart Foundation heart attack awareness campaign, which urges Irish men to call 999 if they think they are having a heart attack.

The Listen to your heart, not your head TV and radio campaign sponsored by AstraZeneca was inspired by the singer’s personal loss of his loving father, Nikki Byrne Senior, in November 2009. Together he and his family – mother Yvonne, sister Gillian and brother Adam – raised vital funding for the national charity fighting heart disease and stroke, to dispel the myth of the Hollywood heart attack and help save more lives by urging men to call 999 before it’s too late.

This January, the third and final instalment will appear on Irish TV screens from January 16, featuring the antics of unforgettable animated characters “heart” and “head” created by Rothco. The Irish Heart Foundation’s free booklet, A man’s guide to heart health supported by the HSE, is also available, call 01-6685001or at www.irish heart.ie. Pictured here are Michael O’Shea, chief executive, Irish Heart Foundation, Nicky Byrne, Westlife and Johnny O’Toole, AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals in Ireland.

Educogym can help with the ‘battle of the bulge’ WITH more sedentary lifestyles here to stay, two-thirds of Irish people currently overweight and the excesses of Christmas sitting firmly on waists, innovative ways to tackle fitness and nutrition are needed in our ongoing “battle of the bulge”.

On average, people gain 5 lbs (2 kg) in the fourweek Christmas period.

The average turkey dinner contains more calories than the average adult needs in an entire day (for many, it’s almost double the daily amount).

It can also contain the amount of fat grammes required for an entire week. The Christmas meal is not the biggest problem. To put on 1lb of body fat, you need to eat an extra 3,500 calories – not that hard to achieve on Christmas Day. Remember, it takes the stomach about 15-20

-------------------------------------------------------

BEFORE

AFTER

‘Industry figures show that 90% of members in a typical ‘warehouse’ gym stop going after three months’

--------------------------------------------------------

Komal after only eight Komal before training

months training with

with educogym

educogym

minutes to signal the brain that it is full. By then, we’ve usually overeaten, especially during the holidays.

But, this one day of excess is not the real issue, it’s the weeks before and after lead-

ing into New Year that pushes up that dress size and makes those trouser waists strain over that bulging tum!

“We’re getting fatter and fatter, although more of us are joining gyms and trying new diets,

than ever before,” says Jamie Myerscough, of health and fitness group, educogym.

So, should the answer be, after Christmas, to go on a low-calorie diet and take up aerobic exercise?

Not necessarily.

“Traditional low-calorie diets and aerobic exercise cause you to lose muscle, and the loss of muscle slows down your metabolic rate, which is the rate at which you burn food and body fat for energy. Once you stop the low-calorie diet and exercising, you quickly gain the fat you lost, plus more,” he says.

“The problem gets worse as we age”, says Jamie. “As we start to lose muscle from our 30s onwards, leading to a slower metabolism, lower energy levels and increasing weight. However, with the right approach, people of all ages can recover lost muscle, stay in shape and improve their organ function.

De-motivated “Industry figures show that 90% of members in a typical ‘warehouse’ gym stop going after three months. They become de-motivated, and waste a lot of time using equip-

ment incorrectly.”

As it turns out, a careful combination of 20-minute exercise sessions that will burn fat and build muscle, complemented with a balanced nutritional eating plan is an effective weapon against the expanding waistline. educogym is offering free consultations for the month of January. People concerned about their ever-increasing waistline can get advice on their weight, lifestyle, body fat, muscle, diet and achievable goals.

Contact educogym on 1850 737 737, email Dundrum@educogym.com or log onto www.facebook. com/myeducogym Free waist measurements consultations are available at educogym Dundrum Town Centre, Blackrock, Dublin Docklands and Naas.

HEALTHIER biscuit brand, go ahead!, are now teaming up with Unislim, the Irish-owned health and slimming company, to offer customers a great saving of €20 on a six-week Unislim membership.

Kicking off the New Year with a good start couldn’t be easier with these three simple steps: 1. Purchase any go ahead! pack 2. Take your till receipt to any of the 180 Unislim classes nationwide 3. Then save €20 on six weeks membership!

(Joining fee and six classes RRP €70, for the price of €50) We all know how difficult it can be to find great tasting snacks that can be enjoyed as part of a healthier lifestyle. go ahead! have carefully selected the perfect balance of ingredients to create their delicious on-the-go range for the perfect healthy alternative for snacking. Along with reduced saturated fat, the go ahead! range also contains a selection of vitamins including: calcium, iron, niacin, riboflavin (B2), vitamin B12, vitamin D, vitamin B6 and thiamin (B1)).

Go ahead Fruit Bakes are now equivalent to one portion of your daily fruit and vegetable requirements.

The range also encompasses a variety of snacks and flavours from Ireland’s favourite Forest Fruit Yogurt Breaks, Orange & Sultanta Crispy Fruit Slices and also delicious Apple Bakes.

HEALTH&Well-Being

20 GAZETTE 12 January 2012

F E E L I N G

&

L O O K I N G

G O O D

FITNESS: WORKOUT ESSENTIALS

Kelly Home Fitness range from Tesco AS the New Year begins and resolutions are made, many will be aiming to lose a couple of pounds following the festive season, and Tesco is on hand to help with some fantastic savings now available on the exclusive Kelly Holmes Fitness range.

Kettle Bell

Loose fit vest, €16.50

Perfect

Dame Kelly Holmes, the double Olympic Gold winner, has collaborated with Tesco to design a range of quality sports clothing and equipment, which includes exercise essentials that are perfect for those keen to work out at home.

The equipment range includes the popular Kelly Holmes Weighted Gym Ball now just €13.33 (normally €20)

and the Kelly Holmes Exercise Mat, €14.67 (normally €22). The versatile Kelly Holmes Adjustable Kettle Bell now just €23.33 (normally €35) will provide you with a total body workout and, for those hoping to achieve a washboard stomach, the Kelly Holmes Balance Board at just €18.33 (normally €27.50) is another workout essential.

The fitness range also includes some stylish workout wardrobe stables, including a loose-fit vest top or a black tank top just €16.50 each and comfortable yoga pants at just €18.50.

The Kelly Holmes Fitness range is available in selected Tesco stores nationwide. For details on your nearest Tesco store, and to check availability, log onto www.tesco.ie

Sibutramine was withdrawn from use as a medicine in Ireland and across the entire EU U in early 2010

Hidden dangers of taking Sibutramine THE Irish Medicines Board has issued a strong precautionary message for consumers on the health dangers of taking any slimming products containing Sibutramine.

The IMB stated that Sibutramine was withdrawn from use as a medicine in Ireland and across the entire EU in early 2010, due to the increased risk of heart attacks and strokes.

Warning Specifically, the IMB is warning consumers not to purchase particular slimming products which may be available illegally online, as packs of those products have been found to contain Sibutramine (often fraudulently not declared in the ingredients listed on the pack).

It is advising consumers to dispose of any of the products that they have listed on their web-

site (www.imb.ie) that they may have, and, if they are feeling any illeffects after taking any of these products, to contact their doctor immediately.

The IMB has seen an incremental and progressive rise in its detentions of illegal Sibutramine containing products in recent times, in cooperation with Revenue Customs. Between 2009 and 2011 there has been a 600% increase in the number of these types of products detained.

According to John Lynch, director of compliance at the IMB, people should avoid buying these products as they have been found to contain Sibutramine and are illegal medicines.

“We are identifying Sibutramine-containing products that, in some cases, are labelled as containing only natural ingredients. In addition,

the packaging is often quite sophisticated and is intended to convince purchasers they are buying legal and safe products.

The products are often presented as natural slimming aids but many do not refer to Sibutramine in their packaging and are deliberately misleading consumers.

“Some of these medicines have been shown to contain too little or too much of the active ingredient while others contain the wrong active ingredient altogether or contain an additional active ingredient not listed on the packaging,” he said.

Safe disposal

Anyone who wishes to safely dispose of any of these products can contact the IMB in confidence on 01-6343436. In the meantime, the products should be stored

safely out of the sight and reach of others.

For further information consumers are urged to access the IMB leaflet, Dangers of Buying Medicines Online, which is available on the IMB’s website at http://www. imb.ie.

The IMB has consistently stressed the dangers of buying medicines online and urges consumers not to risk their health by using illegal medicines.

There can be no guarantees as to the safety, quality or effectiveness of these products.

The supply of prescription only medicines via the internet is illegal and no online pharmacy is authorised to operate in Ireland. Consumers are additionally advised that they risk losing their money and credit card details when they buy from rogue websites.

12 January 2012 GAZETTE 21

Hands-only CPR to save lives THE Irish Heart Foundation has backed the latest UK TV campaign featuring Hollywood actor, Vinnie Jones, promoting hands-only CPR to help save lives from sudden cardiac arrest.

In the new TV advert, which airs on Irish screens this month, tough man Jones urges untrained bystanders to “give the kiss a miss” during CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) and concentrate on giving just chest compressions to the beat of the Bee Gee’s pop classic,

Stayin’ Alive.

Ireland’s national charity fighting heart disease and stroke has welcomed the campaign created by their counter par ts in the British Heart Foundation (BHF) to tackle the barriers to the public performing CPR in an emergency.

A poll by the BHF showed nearly half of people were put off helping because of a lack of knowledge about CPR and a fifth of respondents worried specifically about the

thought of the kiss of life or catching an infectious disease. According to Irish Heart Foundation resuscitation expert Brigid Sinnott, the same barriers exist here.

She said: “Here in Ireland we know that as little as a third of cardiac arrest victims receive bystander CPR. Many people are afraid to give CPR in an emergency because of their lack of knowledge and many more are put off by the thought of having to give the kiss of life.

The new British Heart

Foundation advert has hit the nail on the head – regardless if you have been trained or not, if someone collapses unconscious in front of you, call 999 and start giving strong chest compressions to the beat of Stayin’ Alive to keep a good tempo. The reality is that about 60% of collapses occur in front of family or friends, which is why we need to encourage everyone to give hands CPR a try. It really can mean the difference between life and death.”

The new TV advert, showing throughout January, will reveal a compassionate side to Vinnie Jones as he performs hands-only CPR to Stayin’ Alive in a deserted warehouse, flanked by two dancing henchmen.

To watch the BHF TV ad, see www.irishheart.ie Chest compressions with rescue breaths will continue to be part of gold standard CPR and taught during formal training, including on the Irish Heart Foundation courses.

SUPPORT: PREMIUM HOME HEALTH SERVICE

A healthbased approach to local home care In 2010, Dublin nurses Alice Lucey and Caitriona O’Donovan decided to open Be Independent Home Care in response to reports regarding substandard home care providers.

Alice and Catriona are both registered general nurses and are passionate believers that every person has the right to remain in their own home by accessing quality care and support.

To do this, they have carefully recruited and trained a dedicated team of qualified home care assistants who provide one-on-one, assistance, support and care to clients in their own home, helping them retain their

independence.

All care assistants are fully trained and undergo a thorough security vetting process. Once assigned to a client case the care team are closely supervised by nurse managers.

This premium home care and home help ser vice is provided throughout Dublin and surrounds, it is a flexible service and is available from a few hours a day up to 24 hours.

As health care professionals, Caitriona and Alice are keen to assist in keeping people healthy, fit and safe, and have been busy throughout the winter months hosting free seminars to advise

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Caitriona O’Donovan of Be Independent Home Care

older people how to stay healthy.

Caitriona says: “Our objective at Be Independent Home Care is to help assist individuals to remain healthy and independent and so presenting on subjects such as exercise, diet and stress management within the communities that we operate in is an impor-

tant part of what we aim to achieve.”

In addition to hosting free Wellness seminars throughout Dublin, Be Independent Home Care believe in building relationships with their multidisciplinary colleagues in the communities that they operate in as this ensures the best possible service to clients. To this

end Be Independent Home Care has recently teamed up with McCabes Pharmacy to help their clients access top quality pharmacy advice and services.

For further information, please contact Be Independent Home Care on (01) 8283030 or www. beindependenthomecare.ie

22 GAZETTE 12 January 2012

GazetteTTRAVEL

Edited by Mimi Murray

FastTravel Treat yourselves, and your pooch, to Tankardstown House ESCAPE to Tankardstown House, just outside Slane, for a winter break with your partner and pooch. Amble through the estate woodlands and fields and return to a pamper facial for the humans in the therapy room, whilst, outside, the hotel’s professional groomer gives your pooch the full shampoo and set, pedicure and blow dry. Accommodation is in one of their beautifully appointed courtyard cottages, and dinner is in their a la carte Restaurant, Brabazon, and breakfast the following morning is included, all for two guests.

Doggy Breakfast can be arranged at no extra cost. The rate is €350 subject to availability.

Visit www.tankardstown.ie for details.

A view across the Bosphorous river of Istanbul’s stunning Blue Mosque

EAST MEETS WEST: A BREAK ON THE BANKS OF THE BOSPHOROUS

Take a spiritual journey in 2012 to the popular Medjugorje IF YOUR New Year resolution is to take a spiritual journey unlike any other, then the popular pilgrimage site of Medjugorje could be just what you are looking for.

Located in the heart of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Medjugorje is one of the most popular pilgrimage sights in the world, and is visited by thousands of pilgrims each year.

Joe Walsh Tours Pilgrimage Tours to Medjugorje include a full religious programme, which comprises a tour of the Shrine, daily Masses, a guided visit of the Apparition Hill (Podbrdo) and the Cross Mountain (Krizevac), organised talks with the local Franciscan priests, a guided visit of the Blue Cross and a guided visit to the Cennacolo Community, Candle Light procession and Mysteries of Light every Tuesday evening, evening programme of prayer every evening and a meeting with one of the Visionaries wherever possible.

Book your pilgrimage tour to Medjugorje with Joe Walsh Tours now, and you could save up to €100 off your trip. Pay for your trip in full before the February 1, and you will make a saving of €100* per person, or just pay a deposit before February 1 and you will save €50* per person. *Valid on seven-night departures only from Dublin, Cork, Knock and Shannon from June 1 to October 24, 2012, excluding August 1 or any Youth Festival departure and June 20 or any anniversary departure. Child discounts or any other discounts do not apply with this offer. For further information, or to book your Medjugorje trip, visit www.joewalshtours.ie

Istanbul’s unique split personality --------------------------

MIMI MURRAY

STANBUL is a beautiful city with lots to offer. Situated on either side of the Bosporus Strait that separates Europe from Asia, the city straddles two continents making it truly unique, where east really does meet west.

Take a guided half-day city tour, which includes the Saint Sophia Museum, Ancient Hippodrome, Egyptian Obelisks and the Blue Mosque.

Puff contentedly on a nargile (water pipe) in the shadow of an Ottoman mosque, hop on a ferry across to Asia to take in an opera, admire the latest in contemporary art at the Istanbul Modern or wonder at the stunning Byzantine mosaics in the Church of St Saviour in Chora.

Dance the night away

Puff contentedly on a nargile (water pipe) in the shadow of an Ottoman mosque

I

--------------------------

The hustle and bustle at the centuries-old Grand Bazaar in Istanbul

at a Bosphorus-front club, chill over a cocktail and admire the panoramic views from a chic rooftop bar, haggle for a sumptuous Turkish carpet in a centuries-old bazaar or gaze at the exquisitely tiled interior of the Blue Mosque. Food is exotic and you can enjoy an outdoor meal at a Bosphorus-front fish restaurant, or Turkish coffee at a pavement cafe.

There are a number of hotels to choose from in the Old Town or Taksim Square.

Stay at the 4-star Time Hotel, that offers free WI-FI and affordable accommodation in the heart of Istanbul, close to the Blue Mosque, Grand Bazaar, and Topkapi P alace. It costs €175.

The 4-star Amethyst Hotel is located at the heart of historical penin-

sula and the shopping centre of Istanbul and lies within walking distance to the Grand Bazaar, Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace and the Basilica Cistern.

This hotel costs €195.

The 4-star Konak Hotel is located at the centre of the Taksim area, which offers shopping, nightlife, restaurants, bars, clubs, convention centres, museums and historical

places, all within walking distance. Konak costs €210 for the duration of your stay.

The 4-star Larespark Hotel is set at the heart of the lively and famous Taksim Square, close to the Akmerkez Shopping Centre, Saint-Sophia, Maiden’s Tower, Blue Mosque, Grand Bazaar and many more. This hotel costs €210 for the stay. Flights to Istanbul non-stop cost from €351.

For more details on this deal, go to www.gohop. ie.

12 January 2012 MALAHIDE GAZETTE 23

GazetteENTERTAINMENT ENTERTAINMENT 1GoingOUT PAVILION 01 231 2929 Singing Nina

WITH 2012 moving along, The Pavilion is already treating music fans to an eclectic range of shows. One such show to look out for is Singing Nina, which sees Chicago jazz queen Karen Underwood and her band bring the music of Nina Simone to life on Friday, January 20. Mixing Nina’s music with her life story, music and jazz fans will be delighted with the show, which celebrates Nina’s music in wonderful style.

See Singing Nina at 8pm, with tickets priced €16/€18.

MILL THEATRE 01 296 9340

Mary Coghlan - The House of ill repute THE Mill Theatre is another Dublin landmark with a great performance lined up for the start of 2012, courtesy of Irish singer/songwriter, Mary Coghlan. With such a diverse body of work to choose from, as well as her new album, The House of Ill Repute, as well as her engaging and honest engagement with fans, they will be in for a treat when she takes to the stage on Saturday, January 14. Her concert will start at 8pm, with tickets priced €18.

DRAIOCHT 01 885 2622 Coolmine Panto Group

“All right, all right, we admit it – it’s a bad film ...” Some of the cast from The Darkest Hour, which sees a group of plucky youngsters in Moscow banding together to survive a full-scale alien invasion. Unfortunately, the film they star in is simply dim, dim, dim ...

A one-star blunder

You won’t be Russian out to see this Moscow-set mix of sci-fi, horror, action, suspense – and lashings of silliness Q KATE CROWLEY

WHO, when facing into the year that the Mayans thought spelt the end of the world, wouldn’t want to see a film about the end of the world?

Actually, scratch that – only lazy scaremongers bother bleating about 2012 being the ancient Mayan’s year of death (unfortunately, I can’t write that with the requisite number of words in capital letters and superfluous exclamation marks, owing to something the backroom boys at Gazette Towers call “house style”), seeing as it doesn’t actually, technically mean the end of the world.

Why, if I dug up Ye Olde Mayane right now, blew the dust off his head, and had a rather unpleasant chat about human sacrifices and the trouble of feeding a growing population with ever-failing crops, he’d almost certainly eventually say that

FILM OF THE WEEK: The Darkest Hour + (15A) 88 mins Director: Chris Gorak Starring: Emile Hirsch, Olivia Thirlby, Max Minghella, Rachael Taylor, glowy killer invisible blobby things

OUR VERDICT: NATURALLY wary of films that can’t even crawl to the meagre 90-minute mark, it’s hard not to feel that The Darkest Hour is a little – wait for it – light in the bright idea department, coming on like a fusion of, well, take your pick. Still, top marks for being another one of those films that help train the mind on reading, going for a walk, calling home, doing laundry – anything other than sitting through this.

the end of the world is nothing to do with Mayans, beautiful Miss Crowley, but can probably be pinned on aliens instead.

Thanks for that top tip, Mr Mayan. And, now that you mention it, in a notso-shocking twist, here’s a film about that very topic!

The Darkest Hour sees a couple of Bright Young Americans (or BoYAs, as I’ll call ’em) – don’t bother wondering who, folks, as they’re unlikely to be clutching an Oscar any time soon – naturally hitting it off in Moscow with pretty girls.

Hurrah! Because what audience doesn’t automatically root for pampered young Americans living it up abroad?

[Note to The Gazette subs: Do try to inject extra wryness there, do, with the suggestion of a raised eyebrow, a la Roger Moore. Thanks, boys.]

Unfor tunately, the BoYAs have chosen just the wrong moment to hit Moscow for a holiday, owing to the sudden and complete loss of all electrical power, followed by the unexpected arrival of glowing-but-mostly-invisible balls of pure energy.

Hungry energy. All lifeform-consuming energy.

Planet conquering-energy. Yup, they’re aliens.

Yikes. If there’s one thing that’s even less welcome on your holiday abroad than the minibar bill, it’s the sight – or unsight? – of invading aliens.

Of course, I know that, in real life, a bare-chested Vladimir Putin would (probably) be riding a bear around Red Square, shaking a tree at the sky and growling.

Here, however, the only shaking to be done is that of knees, as the BoYAs, and friends and frienemies, collectively run, hide, die horribly ... you know, the usual.

Luckily, and without straining credibility any more than the rest of the film – brain, get back here, now, now I said, now – it’s not so long before the BoYAs have wound up with some heavily-armed survivors.

In the now deserted city, and armed to the teeth with the obligatory just-happened-to-belying-around heavy weaponry that they soon end up with – and I so expect to wield Molotovs in Moscow, too – the BoYAs have to somehow fight to survive, while the eerily empty city is destroyed all around them.

It’s time to take it to the streets. To the max! It’s onnnnnn! I have absolutely no real idea what these things mean, but they’re the kind of things my dear Crowleyetta would say at this film’s climax.

The Darkest Hour.

Humph. The lights may have been on, but noone was home when they were bashing this nonsense out.

I love dumb invasion flicks as much as anyone – remember my stupidly kind score for Skyline, folks? – but this one is definitely a mission to miss-cow...

STILL delighting audiences at Draiocht, Coolmine Panto Group’s Christmas pantomime has been a real hit, and, this year, sees the talented group tackling Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. Famillies will love the talented group’s work, as they bring the classic tale to viviid life. The show runs until Sunday, January 15, with tickets priced €20. Fur full details of the upcoming shows, see Draiocht’s website at www.draiocht.ie.

24 MALAHIDE GAZETTE 12 January 2012

GazetteMOTORS MOTORS RoadSigns Road Signs Ford claims the top spot for 2011 ACCORDING to figures released by the Society of the Irish Motor Industry (SIMI), the Ford Focus retained its title as Ireland’s top-selling car in 2011.

The Focus joined Ford’s Fiesta, C-MAX, Galaxy and Transit as top sellers in their respective segments.

Focus sold a total of 4,209 units during the year to top the sales chart, placing the nameplate 242 units ahead of its nearest competitor, the VW Golf.

The Fiesta also retained its place as one of Ireland’s favourites by selling 2,938 units, a level of sales that guaranteed it a top 10 spot at sixth place and ensured it was the top seller in the small car segment.

Eddie Murphy, chairman and managing director of Ford Ireland, said: “We are thrilled that new Focus is, again, Ireland’s favourite car.

With the new model arriving late in the first quarter, outside of the normally brisk sales period at the start of the year, there was a danger that the model would be playing catch-up, but, thanks to the outstanding market reaction to the new model, that has not been the case,” he said.

The Skoda Superb Combi 4x4 inspires comfort for both driver and passengers, with unparalleled legroom in the back seats

The Skoda Superb is simply exceptional CORMAC CURTIS Motoring correspondent

OK, so we didn’t get the deluge of snow that we

were all living in fear of this winter, and, no doubt, that is going to put a dent in the sales of 4x4 SUVs, for now.

But, it is still worth taking a look at a few of the all-wheel drive cars that are available – if you feel you might need a little more grunt in your regular motor.

I must admit, one of the very few 4x4s I have driven recently was the Skoda Superb Combi, so I can’t make too many direct comparisons.

I’m not afraid to say that I am a shameless fan of Skoda, and have yet to meet a model I don’t enjoy driving – but what they have done with the estate version of the popular, if not oddly-named, Superb, is nothing short of extraordinary.

Without fear of contradiction, I can say that there has never been an example of an estate car that I prefer above its saloon equivalent, until now.

It’s practically a motor industry commandment – thou shalt not outshine your executive four-door stable-mate! But the Superb Combi is a stag-

SPECS: SKODA SUPERB COMBI 2.0TDI 4X4 Top speed: 219km/h 0 – 100km/hr: 9.0 sec Economy: 6.2 l/100km combined Emissions: 163 g/km Test car Price: €38,295

geringly attractive car.

The longer, stretched back door that opens up into the cavernous rear seats and boot simply fits the overall proportion of the estate far better than the saloon model – where it just looks a bit too long and makes the boot appear a little stubby.

The front end has been beautifully designed, and features Bi-Xenon headlamps with AFS (Adaptive Frontlight System) that are not only visually attractive, they also provide exceptional visibility when negotiating difficult corners.

For my money, though, it’s the side profile of the Suberp Combi that leaves its competitors in the shade.

The simple contours, highlighted with chrome accents, follow a grad-

ual dip towards the rear of the car that simply draws your eyes across an incredibly appealing body shape.

This is a handsome car that easily stands sideby-side with any other premium German saloon – and, yes, that includes the BMW 5 Series.

In fact, if I was spending my own money on a premium estate car – it would be the Superb over the 5 Series any day of the week.

Putting the car’s looks to one side for a moment, the interior too deserves to have credit heaped upon it.

The model I drove made me feel positively cocooned, with its leather upholstery, understated dashboard, dual-zone climate control, heated seats and elegant walnut trim.

Everything about the inside of the car inspired comfort – and the legroom in the rear would make some businessclass airlines blush with embarrassment.

The amount of luggage space, as well as the various combinations of folding seats, would make

transporting even the most unusually shaped luggage a simple affair Another feature that elevates this car into the premium range of estates, is the parallel parking assistant.

This was the first time I got to try this feature in any car, and it really didn’t disappoint.

The system operates by using its parking sensors to measure the distance between it and the cars next to and behind it.

It is a most unusual sensation to let go of the steering wheel and control the speed as the car takes care of manoeuvring itself precisely into the space.

It almost feels redundant mentioning the exceptional sound system, Columbus SatNav equipment and Bluetooth mobile phone connectivity, but the Superb Combi does boast an embarrassment of these features.

Simply put – a car like this priced at €38,295 represents exceptional value, and, for someone with an eye for quality over branding, the Skoda Superb Combi is unbeatable.

12 January 2012 MALAHIDE GAZETTE 25

GAZETTE

26 MALAHIDE GAZETTE 12 January 2012

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28 MALAHIDE GAZETTE 12 January 2012

GazetteSPORT FastSport

BLUES FOR O’BYRNE:

Dublin start with a staccato win over Carlow in cup opener: Page 31

Four wheels good, two wheels better

JAMIE MASTERSON came late to the motor racing game when he was 17, but has progressed to the top Meteors continue good run levels of the sport in Ireland, thanks to dedication of form in SuperLeague METEORS secured their fourth consecutive women’s SuperLeague win after they inflicted further woes on the Oblate Dynamos with a 55-49 success to continue their good form despite the Christmas break.

Ahead of the game, the Dublin side had a fifty percent record in the league, and their win has allowed them to tip their win-loss record in the right direction.

“It was a very scrappy game, very defensive”, said Meteors’ head coach, Hugh Kilbride. “We are delighted to get our fourth consecutive win, and are confident as we look forward to the next three games.”

Rebecca Nagle top-scored with 11 points, while Sarah Doyle and Fiona Meaney added nine each.

DCU Mercy, meanwhile, eased past Liffey Celtics, who remain firmly rooted to the bottom of the Nivea Women’s SuperLeague table following six straight defeats in the league.

DCU Mercy continued their excellent league record while maintaining third place in the league standings, winning out 77-34.

“We are happy with the win,” said DCU head coach, Mark Ingle. “Everyone played well, and we had a good spread of scoring with five of our players in double figures.”

Get walking into the new year with FCC FINGAL County Council are holding a three-kilometre walk at Newbridge Demense, Donabate, on Saturday, January 14, to help kickstart a healthy 2012.

Fingal residents are encouraged to come along to the walk, which will begin from the front of Newbridge House at

JAMIE Masterson, from Laurel Lodge, Dublin 15, runs a small racing team, Jamie Masterson Racing (JMR), who have been competing at the top level in Irish motorsports for the past ten years, and is an prime example of what you can achieve when your dedication to your sport takes you in new and unexpected directions.

Jamie, who is now 27 years old, was a relatively late starter in the world of motorsport when, at the ripe old age 17, he started racing karts in the Rotax Max national championships in 2002.

In a very competitive class, it wasn’t long before Jamie got his first race win under his belt with a win at the home of Irish motor racing,

Mondello Park in that same season.

Building on that success allowed Jamie to move up to the saloon car class, in which he made his debut in the Fiat Uno Championship

and wins in Britain and Ireland, which helped him to eventually win the 2005 Irish Championship.

Then, 2006 saw another big step.

“I jumped into the

--------------------------------------------------------

‘I’m in full race mode now, to help take me to my goal for 2012 - to be Irish clubman superbike champion. We’re hoping that it’ll bring us victory’ --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

in the 2003/4 season, with several podium finishes that year.

An obvious natural and developing confidence behind the wheel, Jamie and his team dominated the class with consistant podium finishes

Fiat Punto Championship, taking another step up, and come the end of that year, I was crowned champion in my first year in the series.

“Most memorably, I took the JMR-prepared Punto to double victories

11am on the day.

For more information, see Fingal County Council’s Sports Office’s Facebook page.

An added incentive to take part is that the Council Sports Office are giving away a Nintendo Wii to a lucky Facebook follower who likes their Facebook page., www.facebook. com/FingalSports, with the winner to be announced on Saturday.

Jamie Masterson in action on his Suzuki superbike last year

in the prestigious Phoenix Park motor races which, being a local lad, is my home race.”

After a two-year break, Jamie came back to motor sport with a new focus in mind - motorcycle racing.

“I first started just doing track days on an old GSXR600 racebike to see if I had what it took to be a motorcycle racer.

The opportunity was there and I just thought I would try it out.

“It didn’t take long for my motorcycle abilities to come through as I quickly got to terms with such a different style of racing.”

For 2010, Jamie purchased an ex-world Supersport Yamaha R6 on which he would contest the 2011 Supersport 600 championship. He undertook an intensive round of pre-season testing to try get to terms with the competition who were more used to the full-blown race bikes before the season got into full swing.

“One of the most imprtant things in motor sport is getting noticed, and, I was lucky enough to start getting some attention after I claimed some podium finishes, and after a while, I was standing on the top step with a handful of wins under my belt.”

On top of this growing success over the years, Jamie has taken the deci-

sion, along with his team, to purchase a new bike for the 2012 season, the top spec 2008 Suzuki GSXR1000 super bike.

“Very little on this bike is standard, and we are hoping it will bring us to victory in 2012,” said Jamie.

“I got one race on the new bike in October when we entered in the final televised round of the Mondello Masters championship, when the team made our first TV appearance on a motorcycle.

“I found myself really gelling with the bike from the word go, and managed to get JMR on the front row of the grid in fourth position - Not bad considering that I had never sat on the seat of the bike before, let alone ridden in the wet conditions.”

Now, 2012 looks likely to be even more promising. “I’m in full race mode now, with off-season training in the gym and plenty of motocross riding to get my fitness up to help me not only win a superbike race next year but take me to my goal for 2012, to be Irish clubman superbike champion, and the testing for that starts in January for the championship kickoff in March.”

We will be keeping an eye on his progress throughout what promises to be an exciting year for JMR.

12 January 2012 MALAHIDE GAZETTE 29

30 MALAHIDE GAZETTE 12 January 2012

GazetteSport Sport FastSport

Fingal finish fifth in national indoor contest FINGAL closed their indoor hockey campaign with a 3-1 loss to reigning national champions Three Rock Rovers at Loughlinstown last Sunday to see them end the group stages in fifth place.

David Bane’s side matched the south Dublin outfit in a scoreless first half but were stung by a couple of goals early in the second

by Garry Ringwood and Ross Canning.

Luke Hayden brought his side back into contention but Jody Hosking completed the win for Rovers, who topped the group with five successive wins and went on to the national finals in Gormanstown.

Fingal, meanwhile, have a fortnight off before resuming their outdoor campaign with a league date against Pembroke on January 28.

Tough tie for MCC in Senior Cup opener MALAHIDE cricket club picked up one of the toughest possible first-round draws when they were paired with North County following this week’s draw for the Lewis Hohn Williams Senior Cup 2012.

County lost the final of the competition last season by just a single run to Merrion and have a strong line-up with John Mooney their talisman, backed up by Eddie Richardson and Conor Armstrong.

Malahide finished

last term third in division two, but will be looking to push for promotion once again when the summer comes.

Elsewhere, Cork County will make their first appearance in the competition with a trip to Old Belvedere.

The 2011 champions Merrion make the short trip to Claremont Road to take on YMCA. There are also two other all-Division 1 ties as Leinster travel to Railway Union and Terenure travel to The Hills.

Subsequent rounds will be drawn live on NEAR 90.3fm, before the final, to be held on Saturday, July 28, at Claremont Road.

SOCCER: MALAHIDE ON TOP AS SEASON ENTERS NEXT PHASE

Shane Dolan has moved from Drogheda United to Malahide United as the team go into a crucial phase of the season

Dolan added to United ranks sport@gazettegroup.com

MALAHIDE United have added another League of Ireland player to their ranks, with Shane Dolan making the switch to Gannon Park from Drogheda United as their bid to return to the LSL Sunday Senior ramps up.

T h e 2 3 - y e a r- o l d joins the likes of Glenn Crowe and Paul Perth, bringing with him a we a l t h o f t o p - l e ve l experience having previously had a stint with Athlone Town and playing for the Drogs last year.

He joins a panel lying

four points clear of their rivals with 11 games to go in the campaign, a series of matches that star ts this T hursday night when they face relegation-threatened Postal United on home turf.

They were due to play a critical tie against Dublin Bus — a side currently lying in third place in the league — last Sunday, but the postponement of that match has not interrupted a decent Christmas period for Malahide United.

During the time off since their resounding FAI Intermediate Cup

Last-gasp loss: Malahide denied

by Kilkenny try MALAHIDE RFC started their New Year Leinster League campaign last Sunday with a narrow defeat to Kilkenny at Estuary Road.

With the teams in third and fourth place in the table a tight encounter was always going to be in store, and so it proved, with the visitors taking the tie by two points.

Having tied the game with a lastminute try, Kilkenny converted to claim the points.

victory over Belgrove just before Christmas, V i n ny P e r t h ’s s i d e have kept themselves busy with a friendly tie against Duleek from the Meath and District League.

But Perth allowed his side a couple of weekends’ break from games after a hectic 2011 campaign which saw the side play over a half century of competitive fixtures.

Their bid for promotion back to the top tier in intermediate football in the province came up just short last term, but they are in good shape to go one better this

time around.

With just one loss in their last 14 league games since an opening day setback at TEK United has left Malahide in an imposing position, while their rivals in the league can only look on.

Away days at fellow contenders Bus, UCD and second-place Sacred Heart will play a large part in defining their fate.

The club’s Saturday Major 1 team, meanwhile, has recovered from a nightmare start to the campaign to be very much in the running for the promotion

places come the final shakedown.

They started shakily, losing all of their first five games of the campaign before going u n b e a t e n i n s e ve n games since mid-October, including last Friday’s 2-1 win over thirdplaced Iveagh Celtic.

Six wins in that run has lifted them up to fourth place in the division and their destiny is very much in their own hands.

Two ties against second-placed Cr umlin United in the coming months can see them move yet further up the rankings.

12 January 2012 MALAHIDE GAZETTE 31

in association with

O’BYRNE CUP: FOOTBALLERS WIN IN CUP OPENER

CLUB NOTICEBOARD ST SYLVESTER’S Micheal McCarthy made his debut

for Offaly who had a comfortable

for the Dublin senior team against

victory over Westmeath.

Carlow in the O’Byrne Cup on Sun-

Players should order their tickets for the awards night on January

day.

He scored four points, including

21 through their team managers.

three from play in the first half,

Please book early to avoid disap-

and a second half free in what was

pointment.

a brilliant performance.

Membership fees are now over-

Dublin had a seven-point victory

due and can be paid online via the

and go forward to play UCD in the

website. There is also a member-

quarter-finals.

ship form available to download on

Also in the O’Byrne Cup, Gary

the website.

Sweeney played for DCU who had a

There was no winner of the Lotto

one-point victory over Wicklow and

jackpot this week and next week’s

Ross Hazley played in centre field

prize is €1,100.

for DIT who lost to Kildare.

Nigel Dunne lined out at number 12

Play online at www.stsylvesters. ie

FINGALLIANS THE club car draw is in full swing with

Holywell pitches will reopen for

seven weeks remaining. Members

training from next Friday, January

are asked to sell a ticket and make

13.

the draw a big success.

St Sylvester’s Micheal McCarthy, seen here in action in the Dubs’ Stars game, provided four vital points

Dubs take time to kick-start cup run O’BYRNE CUP Carlow Dublin

0-10 0-17

Q sport@gazettegroup.com

MICHEAL McCarthy produced a particularly effective performance for Dublin last Sunday in Dr Cullen Park when the All-Ireland champions got their competitive start to 2012 up and running with a fitful performance to overcome a feisty and determined Carlow.

Making his senior debut, the St Sylvester’s man started in the fullforward line for the first time since being brought into the panel last May, and more than looked the part with a quartet of points in an impressive performance.

McCarthy’s showing was a key intervention as the Dubs belatedly showed a clean pair of heels to Carlow with a run of eight points to transform a cagey, 0-9 stalemate with a quarter

of an hour, to produce a more comfor table final result after Mossie Quinn was introduced to blistering effect, transforming the tie.

The away victory sets up a quarter-final date with UCD next Saturday evening in Parnell Park (7.45pm), and for this match, Pat Gilroy was able to shuffle his deck, with just 13 players from the 32 who earned Celtic Crosses last September available to him for selection in the opening tie of the O’Byrne Cup. McCarthy was among a series of new faces, with Davey Byrne looking strong at wing-back, while his Bally mun club-mate, Karl Connolly, showed similar battling qualities to those he exhibited in last week’s Dubs’ Stars tie.

Castleknock man Ror y Corcoran was also introduced for a debut from the bench

nine minutes from time and kicked a point, too, in the late run as the Dubs transformed their fortunes.

Early motion Earlier, with Diarmuid Connolly and Michael Darragh Macauley joining McCarthy as the star attractions in front of a healthy crowd on a good pitch given the time of year, the Sky Blues moved three points clear after 14 minutes.

The regular gremlins for this time of year were in the legs, though, and eight first-half wides did have an impact, as Carlow showed a serious hunger and work-rate, with Brendan Murphy powering them forward.

The lead was 0-6 to 0-4 at the break while Carlow outscored Dublin in the opening phases of the second half to tie the game up at 0-9 each and looked like

they had the momentum to record a famous scalp.

But the depth of Dublin’s panel – despite absentees due to injury, college ties and holidays – saw Quinn run riot late on, kicking five points in 23 minutes, while Eamon Fennell was another to make an impact from the bench in a 15-minute cameo.

And it was that depth which Pat Gilroy pointed too in his post-match summation.

“We introduced some fresh legs for the last 20 minutes and they made a difference,” he said.

“We had traded point for point for the first 15 minutes of the second half but, after that, we seemed to pull away.

“Carlow put in a great effort and they showed what they can do with some great points.

“So, that was a good run-out for us, for the first real game of the new year,” said Gilroy.

Our Grupa Comhra is arais aris,

Membership forms for 2012 have

meeting every Wednesday at 9pm in

now being sent to all members. Extra

the clubhouse. All levels are catered

forms are available in the bar or on

for. Great opportunity to improve

the club website, www.fingallians.

your Gaeilge in a relaxed environ-

ie. Please return all forms to the bar,

ment. Níos mo eolais o Liam 086 381

office or any club mentor.

4422.

Next Saturday, January 14, our Academy will resume af ter the Christmas break at 10am. New members are most welcome.

The club shop reopens on Saturday from 10.30am to 12.30pm.

Please note that Balheary and

This week’s Lotto jackpot will be €3,167.

Fingallians Ladies competed in the Cross Country League over the weekend. Well done to Brona Snow who produced a great run after a long injury lay-off.

ST FINIAN’S HAPPY New Year to all our mem-

who start their six-week intensive

bers, players, mentors, committee

training this week.

members, sponsors and all their

We are looking for help in organising the event on the night, if you

families.

Well done to Darren Daly and the Dublin team on a good win away to

are can help out please text or call Declan Hannigan on 086-8587231.

Carlow in the cup last Sunday, best

Tickets are only €20 each, avail-

of luck to the team against UCD in

able from Declan 086-2673830 or

Parnell Park next Saturday night

Alan 087-2364559.

at 7.45pm.

We are holding a white-collar boxing event on February 17 in the Wright Venue.

Best of luck to all the boxers

Lotto numbers drawn were 11, 19, 22 and 26. There was no jackpot winner.

One winner of €250 for matching three numbers was Desy Kettle.

LOCAL TEAM WIN? WE WANT TO KNOW! YOUR LOCAL PAPER FOR LOCAL SPORTS Call our SPORTS TEAM on 60 10 240 or email sport@gazettegroup.com

ALL OF YOUR MALAHIDE SPORTS COVERAGE FROM PAGE 28-31

UNITED FRONT: Malahide secure Dolan signing to bolster LSL Sunday challenge P30

O’BYRNE-ING IT UP Dublin get off to winning start to cup campaign P31

GazetteSPORT

Swords Basketball Club’s Under-18 side are looking forward to their semi-final appointment with Templeogue

JANUARY 12, 2012

Swords set for Temple challenge Basketball Under-18s will line out against southside opponents in their first National Cup semi-final swordssport@gazettegroup.com

SWORDS Under-18 boys are taking a huge step forward this week when they take on Templeogue in the National Cup semi-finals at the Parochial Hall in Cork (Sunday, 12pm).

After more than ten years together, it is the furthest Frank Tracey’s side have made it in the national competitions, but they are confident they can make an impression and make it to the ultimate decider.

Irish underage internationals Ger Reid and Niall Hegarty have been powering the side this term and they will hope to continue their excellent form.

In doing so, they are aiming to go a step further than the club’s Under-20 side who reached the final four 12 months ago of their cup before coming unstuck against the Blue Demons.

But team manager Martin Cusack is in upbeat form ahead of the trip south, telling GazetteSport: “I think we’d be very confident

that this could be our year.

“This team has been playing together since age seven or eight, and it’s been the first time we’ve made a semi-final in a national cup, which is great for us.

“The lads have been with each other a long time, and have been getting better every year.

They have improved massively in the time that they have been playing together.”

Rapid fire Swords emerged from the rapid-fire group stage, winning all four of their group games earlier this season, and reached the semi-finals with a comprehensive and impressive 97-55 win over UCD. As for Templeogue, while they play in the same division in Dublin as Swords Basketball Club, the teams have yet to meet in competitive action after an initial date between the sides was postponed.

In that league, Swords are currently lying

third in the division, with Templeogue a couple of places below them, but with games in hand.

Previous ties, though, have shown the southsiders to be formidable opposition, a fact that Cusack is more than aware of in preparation for their national cup encounter.

“We were due to play them in November, so this will be our first game against them this year, but they would usually be one of the best teams in our league so we always have a good battle with them. It’s always a hard match so, hopefully, we can get them on Sunday.”

The fixture is part of a bumper weekend of basketball action with 16 national semi-finals across the grades taking place in the Parochial Hall and in Neptune Stadium across three days of competition, all teams vying for a final date.

Lying in wait for Swords should they advance is a possible final with either the Dublin Raiders or Maree.